6 teams that could end their Women’s College World Series droughts in 2025

The 2025 college softball season is underway, and as schools begin the road to Oklahoma City, some teams are aiming to break prolonged Women’s College World Series droughts. Here are six programs with the potential to make a breakthrough this year:

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Last WCWS appearance: 2013

For Nebraska softball, the past decade has been a story of determination, near-misses and rebuilding. The Huskers last reached the WCWS in 2013, suffering a heartbreaking 15-inning elimination game loss to Florida in one of the longest contests in WCWS history. The 2025 season could finally be the year Nebraska returns to Oklahoma City.

What is the biggest reason Nebraska is a serious contender in 2025? Jordy Bahl is back. The former Oklahoma ace, where she was a two-time national champion and the 2023 WCWS Most Outstanding Player, transferred home ahead of the 2024 season but was sidelined for the rest of the year with an ACL injury suffered in her Cornhuskers debut. Bahl has already made her presence felt now that she’s fully healthy again She led Nebraska to a 7-1 upset win over No. 6 Tennessee on opening weekend, as the Huskers went 3-2 in the NFCA Leadoff Classic. 

Nebraska also strategically built depth in the offseason, adding key transfers like Kylee Magee (Arizona State) and Hannah Camenzind (Arkansas) to the pitching staff. At the top of the lineup, shortstop Ava Kuszak (Wisconsin transfer) has been a revelation, slashing .467 with two home runs and six RBIs through the first five games, while settling into her new role as Nebraska’s leadoff hitter. Meanwhile, Emmerson Cope could be Nebraska’s X-factor — she hit .444 with a home run while tossing five scoreless innings over the opening weekend, proving she can contribute on both sides of the ball. If this core continues to deliver, the Huskers will be a dangerous postseason team.

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Texas Tech Red Raiders

Last WCWS appearance: Never

Texas Tech has never been to the Women’s College World Series — but that could change in 2025. After missing the NCAA tournament last season, the Red Raiders brought in a new head coach and the No. 1 transfer class in the country — headlined by the addition of reigning National Player of the Year NiJaree Canady.

Along with the departure of coach Craig Snider, 21 players either graduated or…